The day dawned fine at the Valley of Peace, it would get to a high of 24° and our visitors from Millbrook Cricket Club in the Queenstown district were greeted by an incredible-looking outfield and pitch at our home of cricket.
Tom Music, resplendent in his new Valley blazer, would win the toss and chose to bowl first.
The Valley team was built around a very experienced core, but also for the captain a pleasure that nine of the originally named members were available and many all-rounders were at his disposal, but no recognised keeper.
The Millbrook openers got off to a good start with Captain Billy Sheehy particularly savage. It would be first change bowler Tristan Pettit who would make the initial breakthrough in the eighth over when he had the skipper caught behind by Music, standing in at keeper.
A couple of chances would evade the Valley fielders, including the captain keeper. Millbrook took advantage, getting through to 91 for three at drinks in the 40-over match. We would pick up a wicket first ball after drinks and then the dangerous Steve Fraser for 42, Rusty McGregor doing the damage. Some more half chances fell into gaps as the scoring ticked over.
One of the things about being a Valley captain is trying to get a scouting report on what resources you have, particularly when you have not seen some of the players in at your disposal. Debutant John Durning modestly described himself as a batsman who bowls. Seven overs three for 18 suggests otherwise I thought. A fine spell of spin bowling. Jason Herron with 41 included three large sixes and saw Millbrook through the 40 overs at 192 for nine. A good total, but not insurmountable.
Valley started their earnings positively, but a strangle down leg side of Music was followed by a procession of wickets to have us 28 for four early. Niven Boyle and Greg Jones battled hard, and Tristan Pettit also contributed. When he departed at 96 for seven things were on the skids. All the bowlers got wickets with Herron the best early with three for 9 off 5. We stumbled to 109 all out in the 32nd over. I must also mention more than one good catch in the field and some excellent wicket-keeping by Fraser. Greg Jones with an excellent 33 not out was by far the pick of the batting.
Some short speeches followed in front of the watering hole. Millbrook was undoubtedly the victor of the day, taking out the raffle as well.
Congratulations to Billy and his team. And to any members thinking of playing in the reciprocal match at Millbrook, I think I can guarantee an excellent reception and a good match from great opponents.
Thanks to Jesse and Ollie behind the bar and particularly to Geoff and Tony for the ground presentation. Simply put, it’s marvellous.
So another loss on my record. Look forward to better things as the season develops.
Vally of Peace captain, Tom Music
Match Summary
Millbrook Cricket Club 192 for nine of 40 overs.
Fraser 42 Herron, 41 not out. Durning 3 for 18.
Valley Of Peace 109, all out of 31.3 overs
G.Jones 33 not out. Herron 3 for 9,
Millbrook win by 83 runs
Valley of Peace CC vs Millbrook CC, 4th Dec 2022
